Stites man’s shooting death ruled accident

Incident reported April 20 on Forest Service Road 420

Evidence points to an accidental gunshot wound as the cause of death for Jason Mills, 46, of Stites, in an incident reported late last month.

On Friday, April 20, 12:34 p.m., according to an Idaho County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) report, a deceased male was reported on Forest Service Road 420, seven miles off Pittsburg Landing Road. The reporting party advised it appeared the man perished from a gunshot, and identified him as Mills. On arrival at scene at 4:20 p.m., investigator, ICSO Deputy Mike Brewster, pronounced Mills as deceased.

According to Brewster’s investigation, Mills died from a single gunshot wound that entered his left armpit and exited between his spine and right shoulder. It appears he died instantly as he collapsed right at the passenger side door. The weapon involved was a Ruger 1895 45/70 lever-action rifle.

Brewster’s investigation noted, “…evidence points to the incident being accidental in nature.”

Mills’ body was retrieved by Blackmer Funeral Home. His camp items, vehicle and nine hound dogs were collected by Mills’ friends Gail and Will Williams.